Encephalitis Tests & Diagnosis Methods

Conditions & Diseases: Brain & Nervous System

Encephalitis

Medical Tests & Diagnosis Methods/Tools

Diagnosis of encephalitis is done with the help of the following:

Medical History: Recent exposure to insects, travel, personality changes and contact with unusual animals or illnesses (9).

Neurological Examination: Neurological examination consists of several components with each focusing on different parts of the nervous system such as:

Mental status
Cranial nerves
Motor system
Sensory system
The deep tendon reflexes
Coordination and the cerebellum
Gait

Therefore, a neurological exam helps evaluate mental status, detect neurological problems such as motor dysfunction and seizures and help determine the area of brain that is affected (9) & (10). Other tests include:

Blood and Urine Tests: These tests help isolate and identify the viruses. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), including IgM-capture ELISA (MAC-ELISA) and IgG ELISA can help identify the virus causing encephalitis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) helps in identification of small amounts of viral DNA.

Imaging Tests: Imaging tests consist of Computed Tomography (CT scan) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI scan) producing computer images of the brain which help in detecting abnormalities like swelling (edema) and bleeding (hemorrhage). In Electroencephalogram (EEG), electrodes placed on the scalp are used to record and analyze the electrical activity in the brain. Wave patterns thus recorded suggest seizure disorder or specific viral infection.

Spinal tap: In this procedure, cerebrospinal fluid is collected by inserting a needle between two vertebrae in the lower spine. The fluid is analyzed for an elevated count of White Blood Cells (WBC), blood and presence of virus (9).

Article by Kona Vishnu, MS
Medical Writer,
OmniMedicalSearch.com